FUNcube

FUNcube (AO-73)

AMSAT-UK is working on a new amateur satellite project – The FUNcube Project– that features a 435 to 145 MHz Linear Transponder for SSB/CW operation. FUNcube-1 is a complete educational single CubeSat project with the goal of enthusing and educating young people about radio, space, physics and electronics.

Mission

The primary and secondary mission objectives are summarized below:

Provide an in-orbit tool for science education and outreach, by means of the following:

Perform a materials science experiment in space.

Provide for telemetry which is receivable by un-trained teachers and schoolchildren using a handheld receiver.

Provide a message service similar to Text/Twitter messages. These messages to be uploadable by designated control stations, and to be transmitted. These messages to be known as “Fitter” messages.

Provide a linear transponder which can be used by radio amateurs to make 2-way radio contacts using a modest equipment setup.

02-September-2013: AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL are delighted to be able to announce that they have been advised that the launch date for FUNcube-1 is now expected to be November 21, 2013. This date is still subject to final approval by the authorities.

QSL Certificate of Achievement.

Homepage and other references:

FUNcube main website
FUNcube forum
Presentation about by Graham Shirville G3VZV and Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG can be viewed online at BATC